The Champion

July 2003 , Page 10

Preview of Member Only Content

For full access: or Become a Member

Witness For The Defense

By Daniel Dodson

At first glance, now might not seem
like the best time to be making controversial statements, and that would
include those that present a rational, due process-and-liberty-oriented
perspective on criminal justice issues. The backlash against persons who dare
to speak out against the current administration on any issue certainly has some
parallels to the McCarthy era.

But this is the very best time to
speak out, for make no mistake: If you don’t fire back at every opportunity
when you are under heavy attack, some people are going to conclude you don't
have any weapons.

As practicing criminal defense
lawyers, we routinely come in contact with the injustices that pervade the
justice system. We see cops lie. We see constitutional rights, not just
evaporating in theory, but also abandoning particular individuals in time of
need. We witness and watch up close as a capital case grinds toward its goal of
increasing the violence-victim count. We know like no one else the sting of

Want to read more?

The Champion archive is reserved for NACDL members.

NACDL members, please login to read the rest of this article.

Not a member? Join now.
Or click here to see an overview of NACDL Member benefits.